Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater

I have never been to Red Rocks, I have never been to the Hollywood Bowl, and I have never been to a concert in Central Park in New York City! I do love outdoor concerts, and have been to so many festivals over the years! There is something about the way music moves through open out door space, with the smell of food, beer, and other smells (BO, POT, ETC) running your senses wild!
In Des Moines we are lucky enough to have an amazing Amphitheater for shows! Right on the Des Moines River facing downtown, this is probably the most beautiful place in Des Moines and one of the finest in the midwest to see a concert!
The stage is round and they bring in great sound! You can stand and dance, or bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the hill.
The Nightfall on the River series is usually really good and has a decent range of up and comers and bands from yesteryear playing!
The space is not huge so the shows feel very intimate for an outdoor space!
The only real problem with this Amphitheater is if it rains a lot, the DSM river is pretty easy to flood, so shows may get moved. So keep an eye on the schedule if it’s been a rainy season!
All and All it’s not Red Rocks, but it’s still beautiful and it still Rocks!

The Nadas are a must see here and they brought Fat Tire beer along with them! Next time bring some wine too!
Bring you chair or blanket and enjoy! Great location behind the embassy suites on the river in downtown DSM!
Upcoming concerts include Barenaked Ladies, Black Crowes, and Ingrid Michaelson.
DSM is getting on the map!